India, the defending champions after their 2023 triumph, began their campaign in style with a thumping nine-wicket win over UAE, while Pakistan will open against Oman before locking horns with India.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
India\u2019s participation in this tournament follows the Union Sports Ministry\u2019s policy, which allows matches against Pakistan in \u201cinternational and multilateral events,\u201d but not in \u201cbilateral sports events in each other\u2019s country.\u201d The regulation means that while Asia Cup fixtures are permitted, standalone series remain off the table.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
\u201cI think it\u2019s a decision of the government. I have nothing to say. I think it\u2019s a decision of the government. If they say they have to play, they\u2019ll play. If they don\u2019t want to play, they don\u2019t play,\u201d Bhutia said.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, he was clear in urging consistency. \u201cBut I only request the government that the decision has to be for all the sports. It should not be only for a selective sport. It has to be for all the sports. Whatever decision government takes for the betterment of the country, it should include all the sport, not just particular sport,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Away from cricket, Bhutia is also set to play a central role in another landmark event later this year. The \u2018Sikkimese Sniper\u2019 will be present at the 10th edition of the Tata Steel World 25K Kolkata on December 21, a World Athletics Gold Label race that will showcase elite Indian and international runners alongside thousands of amateurs on Kolkata\u2019s iconic Red Road.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
However, he was clear in urging consistency. \u201cBut I only request the government that the decision has to be for all the sports. It should not be only for a selective sport. It has to be for all the sports. Whatever decision government takes for the betterment of the country, it should include all the sport, not just particular sport,\u201d he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He will be joined by Bengali cinema star Srabanti Chatterjee, who will inspire citizens to embrace active living through the race.<\/p>\r\n\r\n